Are you late on figuring out a Halloween costume?
Are you looking for something quick, easy and fun?
Pocahontas or Mulan?
Well, please think further about your costume.
Pocahontas was a mistreated Native American woman.
Even though it was just a movie, Mulan was a young woman who was at first shamed because she was a female Chinese warrior.
She wasn't a real person but women like her have struggled and continue to struggle with trying to be soldiers.
Why would you want to dress up as them?
They're heroic and the movies have an important message.
Yes but they're part of a culture. Honor the message but don't appropriate the culture.
The attire may be “exciting” or “fun” because they’re vibrant and unique but a lot of these so called costumes are a part of a culture with rough history.
How many people who dress up as Pocahontas to look cute actually know the true story of Pocahontas? What about the struggles Native Americans go through daily?
They’re still called hurtful names all the time, still being told they don't belong, still being accused as all being drug dealers, still accused of being savages, etc.
Culture is sacred. Most if not all ethnic groups hold their culture dear to their hearts. The traditional attire is not just pretty and unique, there are meanings behind their attire.
Think twice before you decide to buy that Pocahontas costume you think is cute or when you and your friends want to dress up as “Cowboys and Indians”
Please just refrain from it.
Black face? A gypsy princesses? A Mexican man?
Keep looking because these are also offensive.
Why would you want to paint your face black with the intent of trying to be a black person?
We all know that there has been many struggles within the black community pretty much as far back as history goes and well on into today.
"Dressing up" as a black person is offensive.
Putting yourself in black culture for a costume is offensive.
Yes, black culture is an actual thing and the black community values it dearly.
Please don’t try to dress up as a gypsy princess or a gypsy at all.
Roma or Romani people (the western world refers to them as gypsies which the Roma's don't really like) are made fun of so often. They're called thieves, liars and of course every fortune teller in a movie is a "gypsy".
They’re still fighting for their human rights in so many countries like Solvakia, Italy, etc.
They struggle enough don't add to it by mocking them.
Mexicans are put down all the time. They're called drug smugglers, aliens, border hoppers, they're only yard keepers or maids, etc. They're never apperciated so of course trying to dress up as a mexican man would be hurtful.
There are so many other costumes out there that are actual costumes, please be mindful when you’re trying to figure out what to wear on Halloween.
Most of the time when people dress up as these cultures it’s in a very stereotypical way which is hurtful.
When the world portrays you a certain way or when people treat you negatively it isn’t funny.
Black community: saggy pants, chains, grills, ratchet hair, over exaggerated lips, black face, etc.
Native Americans: head dresses, war paint, feathers, bows and arrows, etc.
Chinese warrior/Chinese women: sword, armor, hanfu dresses, sinh dresses. etc.
Romani or Roma people: flowy clothes, lots of jewelry, a magic ball, a head scarf, etc.
Mexicans: tacos, sombreros, big thick black mustaches, mariachi bands, ponchos, etc.
Ethnic people are not offended by everything we just don’t want our culture appropriated when it was never appreciated.
Not to mention some of the costumes people come up with are meant to be offensive. They try really hard to fit the stereotypical idea of the culture as much as they can.
Please just be considerate and if you have questions don’t feel bad for asking someone because there’s a good chance they will educate you.
I know I only discussed a few cultures but there are just so many. I touched on a few that have been brought to my attention recently. This article goes for all cultures.
Stray away from culture costumes and have a fun and safe Halloween. Eat as much candy as you can!
